Graduate August 2002

Truck Driver Training Program

Before training at Transportation Center for Excellence, I was a Software Engineer with a 4-year degree and 20 years experience in the field.   I ended up encountering problems with the computer industry; I was working for a start up company where 2 out of 3 of our biggest customers bellied up and the company folded.

       Thinking back, some of my dad's childhood friends were truck drivers and I had driven class B trucks for farmers in the past and enjoyed it.   I began to research the trucking industry on the Internet and even went to a truck show.   So before deciding to train at TCE I was well informed.   Shortly after graduation Roehl hired me.   I like the travel involved in truck driving and going to places I've never been.   It's interesting seeing the changing of the seasons in different parts of the country.   I also like the act of driving itself, like shifting.   The trainer I had for my on the job training was friendly and I like how the company maintains their equipment.   The benefits I have include life, health and dental insurance, and a 401k - similar to what I had when I was a software engineer.   As far as the training with TCE is concerned, the instructors were very good, patient and knowledgeable and I had no experiences where I didn't understand what they were saying.   They had a great sense of humor and because of their experience they could relate stories and personal experiences.   This wasn't like the professors I had in college who had no real world experience to identify with.   Gerry and the backing pool were a hoot and John Kovatch was really friendly and I enjoyed the stories he told.   The training prepared me very well for the CDL test and it covered everything they were looking for like the inspection process and turns.   The behind the wheel training helped me get comfortable with driving a truck and the backing experience I received was invaluable.   There are a lot of weird configurations and strange set ups out there for backing and I get a lot of compliments on my backing.   The staff was also very friendly and helpful. I would refer people to TCE.

Joi Ellis